schengen tourist visa dubai

Welcome to a sun-soaked metropolis like no other

Plan your dream wedding in an unforgettable destination

Discover the city's insiders, influencers and innovators

Every district in Dubai tells its own unique story

Admire the city's traditional arts, crafts and cultural gems

Get more out of your holiday with these guides

Escape to the hills and explore nature

Answer the call of the wild and experience desert thrills

Uncover the city’s rich heritage and vibrant arts scene

Embark on thrilling new adventures for all ages

Taste award-winning world flavours and local cuisine

Visit the latest hotspots, openings and attractions

Find new surprises at modern malls and traditional souks

Marvel at record-breaking venues and iconic landmarks

Unwind at Dubai's luxury spas and wellbeing havens

What do you travel for? Find inspiration with our itineraries

Book a table at these fresh hotspots

Taste a deliciously different side of Dubai

Discover our homegrown culinary heroes

See all the restaurants unveiled in the Dubai selection

Weekends in Dubai are for feasting

Explore Dubai's plant-based concepts that impress

Reserve a table at top restaurants for incredible prices

Browse through our listing of restaurants

Don't miss a beat – live concerts, festivals, activities and more

Follow the flavours to the city's most-awaited feast, featuring your foodie favourites

Enjoy unbeatable sales, special offers and prize draws

Plan ahead for a hassle-free travel experience

From etiquette to currency, we answer all your questions

Use our tool to book flight tickets to Dubai and plan your trip to the city

Dubai has an incredible range of stay options for every budget

From take-off to touchdown, navigating Dubai is a breeze

Your complete guide to enjoying one of the world's safest cities to the fullest

Find out all about Dubai’s climate throughout the year with our weather guide

All you need to know about the dirham, from exchange rates to helpful tips

Helpful information for travellers with special needs

Unlock huge savings with pre-paid access to top spots

Get our apps for the latest attractions, events & itineraries

Save big with great offers on Dubai's top sights and activities

Indulge in retail therapy for less with big discounts

Enjoy a trip to Dubai with incredible accommodation offers

Sign up for kid-friendly activities or attend a live show with the entire family

Get tickets to the best concerts featuring A-list artists at world-class venues

Join Dubai's community sporting activities and race to the finish line

See the maestro perform his hits live at the Coca-Cola Arena

Watch the superstar perform his chart-topping tracks

Related Sites

Add items to your Top Picks by clicking the heart icon as you navigate through the website

This is now in your Top Picks!

Login or create an account to save your favourites and receive personalised recommendations.

Login to like

Sign in or register to like this content

• Visit Dubai
• Plan your trip

Visa information

Planning a trip to Dubai? Find out whether you need a visa and how to apply.

Do you need a visa?

Relocate to Dubai

Whether working remotely from Dubai, permanently moving your business, or coming for retirement, there are lots of options for you to enjoy the full benefits of being a Dubai resident.

Work remotely programme

Do you want to mix business with pleasure in Dubai? With a new one-year virtual working programme, you can live and work by the beach.

Residency for investors and entrepreneurs

If you wish to open a business or invest in property in Dubai, you can apply for five and ten-year residency visas, with a possibility to also bring your business partners and family.

Residency for specialist talent

If you are a specialist in fields of science, medicine, sport, culture, or art, Dubai offers growing opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities to grow your talent. Apply for this ten-year visa and reach your potential.

Residency for outstanding students

Dubai's cutting-edge research and facilities attract the brightest minds from around the world. Explore the five and ten-year visas supporting exceptional student talent.

Residency for retirees

Start your next chapter and make the most of your freedom in one of the world’s most connected, dynamic, and safest cities with Dubai's Golden Retirement Visa.

Are visas affected by coronavirus/COVID-19?

Do I need a visa to enter Dubai?

How do I apply for a Dubai tourist visa?

How long can I stay in the UAE?

What is the validity period of my visa?

What nationalities are entitled to a visa on arrival in Dubai?

What should I check before travelling to Dubai?

Can I get visa on arrival in Dubai, or do I need to apply in advance?

Can I stay in Dubai without a visa?

Do I need a transit visa for 2-8 hours in Dubai?

Do Schengen visa holders require a visa for Dubai?

Fly with Emirates

• Area Guides
• Building Guides
• School Guides
• Floor plans
• Market Trends
• Life at Bayut

Fees and application process for Schengen Visa from Dubai

• ETIAS Requirements
• Eligibility Criteria
• Application Requirements
• Visa Process
• Where to apply for Schengen Visa

Dubai enjoys a strategic location on the world map that gives it quick access to other countries. Being in an international hub has its perks. Dubai’s denizens can visit Europe as most destinations require a 5 to 8-hour flight time which isn’t much compared with the US or other countries. This is why Europe is a popular travel destination. But to visit your dream holiday destination you may require a Schengen Visa from Dubai that allows you to enter some EU countries that fall in the zone. So before you start packing your bags and prep for your Europe trip, you need to know about the requirements of the Schengen visa from UAE.

How to Get a Schengen Visa from Dubai

Without a doubt, Europe is a popular travel destination for residents of the UAE. If you are planning a trip to one of the countries under the Schengen visa, it is essential to understand what this visa is and how to apply for Schengen visa from Dubai.

What is a Schengen Visa and what are Schengen Countries?

The term Schengen is derived from the Schengen Agreement where 26 European countries abolished internal border checks. This means you only need a single visa on your passport to visit these 26 cities in Europe.

A Schengen visa holder from Dubai is allowed to transit through or stay visa-free in any Schengen State territory for a duration of 90 days in any 180 days period. This visa is also known as a short-stay visa.

Similarly, airport transit visas allow the bearer to transit through any international transit areas of any territory located within the Schengen states. The list of Schengen countries includes :

• Belgium      
• Czech Republic
• Denmark    
• Latvia 
• Liechtenstein  
• Lithuania    
• Germany    
• Malta 
• Switzerland
• Netherlands

ETIAS REQUIREMENTS

From January 01 in 2023, travellers will be required to follow the new modifications to the visa-free entry to the Schengen zone and other EU countries.

Under the new regulations, European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be required to enter any of the Schengen nations. All visa-exempt citizens—including Emirati nationals—will need to register with ETIAS.

However, its important to note that the ETIA is not a visa but a visa waiver programme for visa-exempt non-EU citizens.

Valid for three years, the ETIAS short application form is available online. The applicant will be notified via email, and the approved visa waiver will be electronically connected to their passport.

Once the form is complete and verified, it will allow you to visit all Schengen states. However, it’s essential that passengers go through the country selected as the first point of entry in the Schengen zone. Make sure to apply for the form 96 hours prior to your journey.

Within this three-year time limit, UAE citizens can visit Schengen countries from Dubai multiple times for up to 90 days (each entry) for tourism, transit, business, family and medical treatment.

The ETIAS form will cost €7 (AED 25). Travellers under the age of 18 and over the age of 70 will be exempted from paying a fee.

Eligibility Criteria for Schengen Visa from Dubai

To be eligible to apply for a Schengen Visa from Dubai, the applicant must be a citizen or resident of Dubai and must fulfil the following criteria:

• The applicant must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration.
• The applicant must have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in the Schengen Area.
• The applicant must have travel insurance that covers the entire period of their stay in the Schengen Area.
• The applicant must have a valid reason for their visit to the Schengen Area, such as tourism, business, or visiting family or friends.

Schengen Visa Application Requirements for UAE

The Schengen visa for Europe application from Dubai is not complex if you have all the required paperwork. The following list of mandatory documents for Schengen visa from Dubai needs to be submitted for processing the visa. 

• You will be required to submit the application form for a Schengen visa in Dubai, fully signed and completed to the best of your knowledge.
• Two recent photographs taken no less than 3 to 4 months ago which adhere to the visa photo requirements.
• A passport not older than 10 years with validity of at least three or more months, beyond the date you are planning to leave the Schengen states.
• Proof of Residency in the UAE, a document that proves you have the necessary residence permit that must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure date from Schengen country.
• When applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai you need to have the entire round trip reservation and itinerary with you that includes all flight and hotel bookings. The documents must specify crucial information such as flight numbers with entry and exit dates from any of the Schengen states.
• Cover letter that explains in detail why you wish to visit Europe. The more accurate information you provide, the easier it is to validate your visa and other details.
• Travel insurance policy to prove that you have the necessary health insurance for the entire Schengen territory. You should have a minimum coverage of 300,000 euros if any illness or an unfortunate accident should befall you during your visit.
• Proof of accommodation is another essential document that proves your proper accommodation throughout your stay. The accommodation can be a hotel/hostel, or an Airbnb, a letter of invitation will be required if you are staying with a host or on a rental agreement.
• Proof of financial means. You are required to submit complete financial information proving you have enough funds to support your travel, accommodation and other expenses.
• Sponsorship letter must be submitted if you have a sponsor in any Schengen country. The letter confirms that your sponsor has enough funds to support your stay in the country. To make the document valid, a bank statement must accompany it. Attach yours and the sponsor’s bank statement together with the letter of sponsorship if you have a sponsor.
• Proof of paid visa fee is one of the most important steps in the application process.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa in Dubai?

UAE residents have to undergo the following steps to apply for their short-stay Schengen visa from Dubai:

CHECK WHICH CONSULATE OR EMBASSY YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA

To apply for a Schengen visa in UAE it’s important to know which country should issue your visa if you plan to visit more than one Schengen country during your intended stay. The country you will spend more time in should be the one selected. If you are planning to spend equal number of days in each country, you can select the one where you will travel first.

The second step is to be aware of the body that manages all visa applications.

You have to note whether or not the country you plan to visit has outsourced its visa submissions to a third party and you also have to ensure that you have submitted a complete Schengen visa from Dubai application form.

You can apply six months in advance from your planned date of travel, whereas minimum there should a gap of 15 days from the date of application and date of travel.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND ATTEND THE EUROPE VISA INTERVIEW

Schedule a VFS Dubai Schengen visa appointment for an interview. Your interview can be held with either the consulate, an embassy or a visa centre in the third step of the visa process.

Take all the required documents with you for the scheduled visa interview. Make sure to check all your documents to ensure you have all the documents included in the aforementioned document checklist.

WAIT FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE CONSULATE, EMBASSY OR VISA CENTRE

After your interview, all you need to do is to wait for a response from the embassy. The response time varies depending on the nature of your trip and the number of countries you wish to visit.

There is no rule of thumb to determine which country provides the fastest Schengen visa from Dubai. Your visa request accompanied by all the complete documentation will be processed thoroughly under the EU security systems such as the Schengen Information System and the Visa Information System.

The processing time for Schengen visa from Dubai is anywhere from 15 working days and it could take longer in some cases. If you are wondering about which Schengen visa is easy to get from Dubai – it all depends on the Schengen state you plan to visit and the nature of your stay among other things. 

  The cost of Schengen visa from Dubai

Note: Please note that the visa fee is in AED and is subject to fluctuation in the EUR exchange rate.

Where to apply for a Schengen visa from Dubai

The VFS Schengen visa application centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi handle Schengen visa applications from the UAE. The VFS Global in Wafi Mall is primarily used to process all Schengen visa applications. VFS is a third party that handles all visa proceedings for Schengen visas from Dubai. On the other hand, some countries including Spain rely on other services. Here’s a breakdown of all the centres from where you can apply for a visa.

VSF Global offers visa services for the following countries

However, you will be required to pay a visit to the embassies in Abu Dhabi for your visa processing if you wish to visit the following countries:

You’ll need to visit the BLS Centre in Dubai if you wish to apply for visa to these countries:

Here are the details of the various visa processing centres in Dubai.

• The VFS Global Application Centre Address in Dubai: Joint Visa Application Centre, Wafi Mall, Level 2, Falcon, Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2
• Phone Number: +971-4-205-5666
• BLS Centre in Dubai: Unit no 118 -119, Mezzanine floor Al Khaleej Center, Opposite Al Ain Center, Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai 
• Phone number: +971-4-387-5660 |+971-52-509-8736
• Cox & Kings Global Services (for Italy): 48 Burjigate, Office 1102, Downtown Burji Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Adjacent to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall Metro Station
• Phone number: 800 (800 48259)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the schengen visa fee in dubai.

The visa fee is AED 340 for adults however, the prices may fluctuate as the fees are charged in Euros. Visit the official VFS website, ETIAS website and other official sources for fee price changes before applying for a visa.

What is the visa processing time?

It takes anywhere from 10 to 15 days or more for the Schengen visa to process.

We hope that our guide to applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai helped you in understanding the visa process, document requirements and eligibility for Schengen visa. There are several locations that UAE residents can visit without a visa . The geographical location of Dubai makes it the perfect tourist destination for European tourists. 

There are different tourist visas for Dubai that allow you to visit Dubai or the UAE. Similarly, UAE long term stay visas are essential for a long-term stay and work in Dubai. These visas allow you to work and stay in Dubai if you possess a particular skill or talent needed to find a suitable job.  

*Please note that the visa rules and regulations are subject to change without prior notice.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Hi, I am willing to apply for Europe or work visa in Europe.

Hi Sanjay, Thank you for reaching out,

Please reach out to The VFS Global Application Centre in Dubai for more information on how to apply for a European work visa. Here’s the address and contact information for VFS Global Application Centre:

VFS Application Centre Address in Dubai: 2nd Floor Wafi Mall, Falcon Phase 2 Dubai, UAE. Phone Number: +971-4-205-5666

Hi, Good evening sir/madam. I would like to inform you that I need 40 day Visite Visa. Can give me any advice. Thanks you sir/madam.

Hi Dipesh, Thank you for reaching out.

As far as your query is concerned you can reach out to The VFS Global Application Centre in Dubai for more information on how to apply for a tourist visa. Here’s the address and contact information for VFS Global Application Centre:

Ih sir good afternoon I would like information about visa from Spain

Hi, Thank you for reaching out. Please reach out to The VFS Global Application Centre in Dubai or reach out to the Spanish Embassy or consulate for more information on how to apply for a visa. Here’s the address and contact information for VFS Global Application Centre:

Hi, Good morning sir/madam. I would like to inform you that I need 40 day Visite Visa. Can give me any advice. Thanks you sir/madam.

Hi Joginder Paul, Thank you for reaching out. Please reach out to The VFS Global Application Centre in Dubai for more information on how to apply for a visit/tourist visa. Here’s the address and contact information for VFS Global Application Centre:

What date of reopenig sengen visa

Hi Abdul Wahid, thank you for reaching out. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic The European Heads of State and Government decided on 17 March 2020 to temporarily close the external borders for non-essential trips by third-country nationals. Unfortunately, new dates have not been announced as yet.

Please I want to ask if I can apply for lithuania student visa here in Dubai (Abu Dhabi ) . I’m currently in Dubai and I gained admission to a school In lithuania. Thank you

Hi Olapeju, Thank you for reaching out. Please reach out to the university’s international admissions for further information if you are successfully enrolled in a university/college in Lithuania. Good luck!

Popular buildings to buy apartments in Dubai Marina 

Hotel Guide – Flamingo Beach Resort UAQ

Old Indian and Pakistani concerts to binge watch on YouTube

• Residential Plot

Sliding Sidebar

• Latest News
• Emergencies
• Ask the Law
• GN Fun Drive
• Visa+Immigration
• Phone+Internet
• Reader Queries
• Safety+Security
• Banking & Insurance
• Dubai Airshow
• Corporate Tax
• Top Destinations
• Corporate News
• Electronics
• Home and Kitchen
• Consumables
• Saving and Investment
• Budget Living
• Expert Columns
• Community Tips
• Cryptocurrency
• Cooking and Cuisines
• Guide to Cooking
• Art & People
• Friday Partner
• Daily Crossword
• Word Search
• Philippines
• Australia-New Zealand
• Corrections
• From the Editors
• Special Reports
• Pregnancy & Baby
• Learning & Play
• Child Health
• For Mums & Dads
• UAE Success Stories
• Live the Luxury
• Culture and History
• Staying Connected
• Entertainment
• Live Scores
• Point Table
• Top Scorers
• Photos & Videos
• Course Reviews
• Learn to Play
• South Indian
• Arab Celebs
• Health+Fitness
• Gitex Global 2023
• Best Of Bollywood
• Special Features
• Investing in the Future
• Know Plan Go
• Gratuity Calculator
• Notifications
• Prayer Times

What is Schengen visa and how can UAE residents apply for it?

• Living In UAE
• Magical Dubai
• The Kurator

Here is all you need to know about the Schengen visa and the application process

Planning to visit Schengen countries anytime soon? Here's some good news. Pandemic-related restrictions for entry into the EU and Schengen zone imposed by many member countries had been lifted.

The result: In the week ending August 15, Western Europe has emerged as the world's largest regional aviation market.

Aviation data tracker OAG reported that airlines deployed 23.68 million seats in Western Europe, a 36 percent jump from year-ago numbers. Amid this huge "travel rebound" — a new challenge emerged: flight disruptions, in part due to ground-handling capacity issues.

There are some important nuances and key updates to take note of. Here’s what to know about Schengen visa applications for UAE residents.

What is Schengen?

It’s a small town in the east of Luxembourg, about 35 km by car from Luxembourg City — in the tri-border of Luxembourg, Germany and France. This little spot (population: 540) hosted the signing of the Schengen agreement in 1985 and 1990.

What is a Schengen visa?

It is a product of the agreement, known as the Schengen Implementation Convention. The landmark deal abolished many of the EU's internal borders — allowing free movement between signatory countries. The convention has completely changed the way people travel in Europe.

When was the Schengen agreement signed?

On July 14, 1985, as Luxembourg held the European Economic Community (EEC) presidency, it picked Schengen for its symbolism: it intersects France, Germany, and Luxembourg (a member of "Benelux"). Two other countries signed — Belgium and the Netherlands.

The signatories representing the five stated rode on the MS Princesse Marie-Astrid cruise boat moored at the tri-point border, running down the middle of the Moselle River.

How well did the Schengen zone do?

In the early 1980s, towards the end of the “Cold War”, the idea of border-free travel had divided members of the EEC (precursor of the European Union, EU).

Much has changed since then, and many countries joined the treaty.

From the original five (5) states, Schengen zone now includes 26 member-countries— an area that covers over 4.31 million square kilometres, representing about 420 million inhabitants.

What’s the difference between Schengen and the EU?

The borders of the Schengen zone and the European Union (EU) do not coincide.

Of the 26 Schengen states, 22 are members of the EU, while four – Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland – are not.

The EU, on the other hand, is an economic and political union of 28 states (Croatia is the latest member to join EU). EU members have abolished internal visas and also voluntarily transferred part of their powers to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (CEU).

With a Schengen visa, foreign citizens can also travel to Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia, Montenegro — though they’re not Schengen convention members.

Croatia is set to officially become Schengen Zone member in 2023, according to travel site Schengen Visa Info.

Do other states/territories adhere to the Schengen Agreement?

Yes. The Schengen area also includes Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands (in the Atlantic Ocean) as well as San Marino, the Vatican, Monaco, and Andorra — they all adhere to the Schengen Agreement, though they are not part of the Schengen convention. A Schengen visa-holder can visit these states or territories.

Important note: A traveller cannot enter the Schengen zone from the above-mentioned states/territories (Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands, San Marino, the Vatican, Monaco and Andorra) without a Schengen visa.

Example: A foreign tourist is issued a single-entry Schengen visa. He plans to visit Spain and Monaco, and then continue on to France. However, on leaving the Schengen area (in this case, Spain) the single-entry visa is no longer valid. In order to enter France, the tourist will have to apply for a Schengen visa again.

The Schengen Agreement is also NOT valid in some Schengen states — in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Svalbard, Bear Island, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion, Saint Barthélemy and Saint Martin.

What are the candidate states for the Schengen zone accession?

Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus and Montenegro plan to become part of the Schengen area, too. It remains uncertain when the decision for these countries to join the area will be made.

However, foreign citizens can travel to Bulgaria, Romania, Cyprus, Montenegro — as well as Croatia — on a Schengen visa.

Nationalities that need to apply for Schengen visa?

For UAE expat residents, what’s the latest on Schengen visa application?

In the past, travellers from the UAE had to wait 3-4 months for Schengen visa appointments. By September, Schengen visa appointments is expected to take much less time.

Why the three-month lead time?

The three-month lead time for Schengen visa application was advised in 2019 by Vinay Malhotra of VFS Global, which assists a number of Schengen countries in processing visa applications.

It was not a rule. Rather, it was a rule-of-thumb for travelers planning a Schengen-zone trip during the peak travel season — for their own convenience.

Pre-COVID and in 2020, Schengen visa application rules were also tightened, and application fees increased  for certain categories.

Given the huge volume of applicants, waiting time for availability of appointments with service provider VFS Global went up to three to four weeks, according to an official.

Who grants the Schengen visa approval?

The approval of visa applications filed with the VFS Global centres is solely at the discretion of the client government it serves.

Appointment slots are also controlled and determined by the Schengen countries’ embassies or consulates.

Moreover, the processing time and decision to grant visas are also the sole prerogative of the diplomatic missions.

How long is the visa processing time?

It typically takes between a few days and can go up to 15 to 30 working days for certain cases (not including any public holidays), according the VFS Global. But applicants have reported getting their visa applications approved in as little as 20 days.

The volume of visa application for leisure travel — especially from families — is expected to ease significantly by September as school resumes, howevere corporate travel will remain strong.

Applying for Schengen visa in the UAE:

For Schengen visa, VFS Global centres in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), represent and accept applications for the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Latvia and The Netherlands.

For a hassle-free trip, here are the top 5 tips to a hassle-free application:

1. Include all information:

When filling in a visa application form, include all the information requested, in the indicated format, as per their travel documentation. Incorrect or missed details will lead to your visa getting issued with incorrect details.

2. Check the list:

Have a destination-specific, customised list that is readily available on the VFS Global information pages. Some countries will require specific documents while others may have fewer requirements. It’s better to cover all your bases in preparing for visa application.

3. Bank statement attestation:

Certain Schengen countries require applicants to submit their bank statements, duly attested. It is imperative to submit the attested bank statements to reflect your financial capacity for the travel — as well as your credit standing.

4. Don’t cut it too fine:

Every country has a different turn-around time for processing a visa application which, in turn, varies — depending on the travel seasons. Don’t leave your visa applications to the last minute.

Most countries accept applications up to 90 days prior to travel. Applying for a visa well in advance allows enough time to deal with any unforeseen delays.

5. Sponsor selection:

The sponsor details, where required, help officials understand the applicant’s support system in the country of travel. These details are extremely crucial to the visa decision. Ensure all the details are in proper order and submit relevant sponsorship documents.

[Note: This is a general guide; it is best to check with the embassy or consulate of a Schengen-visa member country for the latest entry rules].

More From Special-Reports

Snapshots of UAE: A tapestry of progress and tradition

Solar storm: Starlink service ‘degraded’

Peter Beck: Meet the rocket CEO with no college degree

Tesla cuts prices: What you need to know

Meet the top 10 Indian-origin billionaires in the US

Heaviest rains in the UAE: Everything you need to know

Why is the traffic so bad in Manila? How to solve it

From blondes to gangsters: Dating app scam in Dubai

Man missing for 26 years found held in neighbour's home, king charles iii unveils first post-coronation portrait, google to use ai-generated answers in search results, nobel-winning canadian author alice munro dies at 92, grammy-winning sax player david sanborn dies.

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from UAE

If you are thinking of travelling to Europe from the UAE, you should seriously consider applying for a Schengen visa . France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are just four of the 26 Schengen visa countries (i.e. countries accessible with a Schengen visa), which gives you unrestricted access to the entire Schengen area. If you want to visit one or multiple countries in the Schengen area , read on for basic information about how to apply for a Schengen visa from UAE, including where to apply for Schengen visa from Dubai , where to access the application for a Schengen visa from Dubai, Schengen visa countries, and the Schengen visa fee. 

When should I apply for a Schengen visa in UAE?

• If you are applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE, you should apply at least two weeks (15 days) before you plan on leaving, and no later than six months before your trip.

How much does a Schengen visa cost from UAE?

• The Schengen visa fee for most adults is €80. 
• Holders of diplomatic or service passports, children, and people who fall into other special categories may not have to pay at all (or may be entitled to a reduced rate). 
• Certain countries accept online payment for visa fees, prior to the submission of the application. Other countries will require you to pay during your visa appointment, so be sure to find out when and how you should pay (cash, check, etc).  

What country should I apply to?

• If you are applying for a Schengen visa in the UAE, you should apply via the country consulate or embassy of the Schengen state you want to travel to. 
• If you hope to travel to more than one Schengen country on the same journey, you should apply through the country where you intend to spend the most time. 
• If you are spending an equal amount of time in two or more countries, you should apply to the first country you will enter in the Schengen area. 
• For example, if you plan on entering the Schengen area by flying from Abu Dhabi to Berlin, in order to travel around Germany, France, and Spain, and you are planning on spending twenty days in each country, you should apply for a Schengen visa from Germany (your point of first entry). 

Where to apply for a schengen visa from uae

• If you are applying for a Schengen visa for  Germany : applicants from Al Ain or Ajman should apply through a visa application center located in Abu Dhabi, whereas if you are applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai, or from Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, or Umm Al-Quwain, you should apply through a visa application center located in Dubai.  All German Schengen applications from the UAE are ultimately processed through the German Consulate General in Dubai .
• If you are applying for a Schengen visa for  France : applicants from all seven Emirates have the option of applying either through a visa application center located in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. 

Where is the Schengen visa application?

• The Schengen visa Dubai application (and the application for Abu Dhabi and all the Emirates) can be found online here . Most countries will accept this form, which is harmonized (i.e. universal to) all applicants, regardless of where they are applying to or from. If the embassy/consulate you are applying through accepts this form, print it out, sign, it, and submit it with the rest of your required documents with your completed application. 
• Certain countries, such as Germany, prefer that applicants apply online through an online visa navigator . If you are applying for a Schengen visa to Germany, you should therefore apply via that link, which is accessible in multiple languages including English and Arabic. Check with your respective country consulate/embassy to determine the best way to access the Schengen visa application. 

What documents do I need?

• If you are applying for a Schengen visa from Dubai or another Emirate, you will need to submit your Schengen visa application, as well as all the basic required documents listed here (including a passport, photos of yourself, and proof of travel medical insurance). 
• In addition to the basic required documents, you will also have to provide additional supplemental materials based on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a Medical reasons Schengen visa , you will have to also submit information about the medical procedure you are planning on undergoing in the Schengen area, as well as a recent medical report.  

What is the Schengen visa processing time?

• After reviewing your application, consular authorities should report back to you with their decision in around 15 days. 
• Occasionally, the processing period can be 30 days or (very rarely) take as long as 60 days.  

Do I need to make an appointment to hand in my applications?

• Certain countries require you to make an appointment prior to handing in your documents. 
• If you are applying through an online application portal, you may be given the option of making an appointment online, prior to submitting your application. 
• Other countries might require you to contact the embassy/consulate directly to make an appointment, which you will likely have to attend in person. 

  Do I have to apply in person?

• Most Schengen countries require applicants to appear in person as part of the application process. 
• Because all Schengen applicants are required to have their biometric information (fingerprints and photo) taken as part of their application, you will have to appear in person if you have never done this before. 
• If you have already had your biometric information taken on a previous Schengen visa application, you may not be required to appear in person in order to finalize your application. However, even applicants who have already applied for a Schengen visa may be asked to appear in person in order to submit to a short interview.  

How to Apply for a Schengen Tourist Visa in Dubai

Planning to go on a trip to France to see the Eiffel Tower? Or maybe search and experience the best chocolates in Belgium? or drink a bottle of one of the finest port wine in Portugal? Aside from getting all your bags packed preparing to go, you will need one important thing: a Schengen visa.

First of all, what is a Schengen Visa?

The term Schengen is coined from the Schengen Agreement, which was a mutual agreement/treaty on abolishing internal border checks between 26 European countries. You will be granted to visit the Schengen countries once you have this visa stamped in your passport.

– It allows the holder transit through or an intended stay in the territory of the Schengen States of a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180 day period (“short stay visa”),

– Or, it allows the holder transit through the international transit areas of airports of the Schengen States (“airport transit visa”).

In short, if someone other than a European Union, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizen wishes to enter the Schengen Area, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus or Romania they must have a visa or be a national of a visa-exempt country.

The following are Schengen countries:

Schengen Visa Application Visa Fees:

Vfs global in wafi mall: where to process schengen visa application in dubai, google map location of vfs global in wafi mall, guide to processing a schengen tourist visa in dubai.

1st Step: So the first step to do is to make up your mind on the country you would want to visit. If you have your itinerary in mind, the better since this will guide your decision as to which embassy you will need to apply for your visa. Just an example, if you wanted to go and visit Paris (city), you need to apply for a Schengen visa for France (country).

2nd Step: Step two is to schedule an appointment. You can go to the VFS Global website and choose the country where you are planning to visit in order to schedule an online appointment. It is recommended that the appointments be set as early as possible (2-3 months ahead) depending on the season/time of the year. The earlier you book the appointment means you will have more time for the visa application process.

UPDATE: While VFS Global handles a lot of the visa for European countries, NOT all countries are being handled by them. Take for example, if you need a Schengen Visa in Dubai for Italy, you need to go to Cox & Kings, if you need to get a Schengen Visa for Spain, you need to go to BLS Intl. Please be guided accordingly. (Thank you to one of our readers Carl Tupas, for pointing this out!)

3rd Step:  After booking an appointment schedule, you may start preparing the necessary supporting documents for your visa application.

 Documents for Schengen Visa Application:

1. Filled out application form. You can get the application form online on the country where you are planning to travel. If you plan to go to France, then you need to need to choose France from the VFS Global website.

2. Original Passport. Please secure a couple photocopies of the passport as well. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area. It must also be issued within the previous ten (10) years and should at least have two (2) consecutive blank pages.

3. Original residence visa. Photocopies must be secured as well for submission. The residence visa should still be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.

Note: Hosts, sponsors, institutions, companies, employers and other third party supporting a visa application should be informed that visa applications can only be submitted and withdrawn by the visa applicant. Consequently, no information will be given or action taken without written consent with signature by the visa applicant.

Particular to applications for business and visit purposes, can be supported by you with an explicit invitation (e.g. covering costs of accommodation and transport) or Letter of No Objection sent to the applicant. Please send those letters directly to the visa applicant in order for him/her to present it when submitting his visa application.

4. One (most recent) passport photo with white background. The photo needs to display a full frontal view of the face showing neutral expression (no smiling). The size of the face from the bottom of your chin to the hairline must be between 32mm (1 ¼ inches) and 36mm (1 3/8 inches).

5. Medical insurance for travel. The policy should cover the entire period of intended stay and must be valid for all Schengen States. The policy should be able to cover any expense which might happen in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital admission/treatment or death during your stay (min. coverage €30000).

6. Confirmed (and VALID) flight tickets.

7. Financial capacity proof. (Bank statements and payslip)

8. Certificate of Employment that indicates your start date, current work position and monthly salary.

9. Accommodation reservation (confirmation email from hotel and or car rentals). You may book a hotel/hostel via Booking.com here .

4th Step: Submit the Documents to the VFS Global Office during your Appointment Date. VFS Global is the office that processes applications on Schengen countries. It is located in Wafi Mall in Oud Metha. You may proceed to the specific VFS office country of your destination (i.e. if you are planning to visit Switzerland, then you need to go to the Switzerland department in the VFS office). Depending on the season, wait time may be as long as an hour or two, so better be prepared.

The VFS Global staff will need to check if your requirements are all in order. After that, they will also get your biometrics (fingerprints and picture). Your passport will be surrendered to them for the visa stamp (once your application is approved). They will give you a receipt attached to one of your passport copies which you must keep with you, and it will be needed this when you claim your passport.

The application fees may vary.  You may check with the corresponding country from the VFS Global website for a more updated information.

Visa processing – AED 300-500 VFS Service fee – AED 100

5th Step: Wait for the approval stamp. Normally the turnaround time is up to 15 working days, on some cases (off-peak season) it usually arrives as early as 3-5 days. They will send you a message (SMS) when your visa is approved. Head back to the VFS office to get your passport!

Be advised that it is important that you push through with your travel after you’ve gotten an approved visa stamp. This ensures that you are clear of your intentions of travel (for holiday). This also helps (but does not guarantee) in getting easier approvals for tourist visas when you apply for other Schengen destinations in the future.

Disclaimer: The above mentioned information are accurate as of writing. It is still recommended that you contact the embassy directly for any updates on the Visa application process.

Just a note to everyone, VFS Global is the office that handle visa applications in the UAE. They have an application center which is located in WAFI Mall. This is the third-party that processes your request that’s why there is no need to go to the Consulate or embassy as this is the official center  to handle these types of

VFS Global Application Center Contact Information Address: 2nd floor, WAFI Mall Level 2, Falcon Phase 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Website: www.vfsglobal.com Phone Number: +971 4 205 5666

Below is a guide map to provide directions on how to get to VFS Global office in WAFI Mall. Good luck in the application!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

What are you looking for?

Schengen visa.

For short stay up to 90 days.

Information about Schengen Visa

Application form, checklist/ information leaflets and declarations, return of passport, additional content.

A “Schengen-Visa” (short stay visa) enables you to travel for a maximum of 90 days within 6 months to all Schengen states. The German Mission is responsible for processing your application if Germany is your main destination. You should apply for a visa through the German Mission if Germany is your main destination (where you are having your longest stay during your visit to the Schengen area).

Purpose: Tourism, business, visit, medical treatment, sports tournament, transit, artists / culture etc.

Applying for the Visa:

The Consulate works exclusively with the external service provider VFS Global in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The external service provider supports you in submitting your application and forwards it to the Visa Section of the German Consulate in Dubai.

In the UAE, all visa applications are processed and decided upon by the German Consulate General in Dubai. Nevertheless please observe the jurisdiction of the respective Visa Application Centers:

Applicants residing in Dubai and the Northern Emirates need to submit their applications at VFS Global in Dubai. Applicants residing in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain need to submit their applications at VFS Global in Abu Dhabi.

Please make sure to submit all related and required documents. Missing documents or information can lead to a rejection.

When to apply

Application can be submitted up to 6 months prior to the date of travel.

Processing time:

The Visa Section will review your application and make a decision on whether or not to grant you a visa. To this end, it will assess whether your application meets the legal requirements.

The processing can take up to 15 days.

Application forms:

Fill out your application online in German or English language.

Checklists:

Please check the relevant information and checklists for your travel purpose and ensure to submit all requested documents as per the checklists.

Here you will find all relevant checklists about the different types of short stay visa as well other related leaflets.

• SCHENGEN VISA – MEDICAL PURPOSE ​​​​​​​
• SCHENGEN VISA - AIRPORT TRANSIT PURPOSE
• SCHENGEN VISA – CULTURE / SPORTS
• SCHENGEN VISA - BUSINESS / TRADE FAIR / CONGRESS
• SCHENGEN VISA - TOURISM
• SCHENGEN VISA - VISIT and TOURISM PURPOSE with EU / GERMAN spouse/ parent /child
• SCHENGEN VISA - VISIT PURPOSE
• Declaration on Travel and Health Insurance (Multiple Entry Visa Only)
• LETTER OF CONSENT / PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION

Declaration of consent

Regular visa fees are to be paid in UAE Dirham (AED). Current exchange rate of the Consulate applies.

-Adults (category C):: 80,00 Euro

-Children between 6 and 11 years (category C): 40 Euro

Once the processing is completed, the passports will be returned back through our external service provider VFS Global.

Frequently asked questions (Schengen Visa)

some of your questions might be answered below

• Top of page

Dubai Travel Blog

Schengen Tourist Visa Application Process in Dubai

We recently applied for a Schengen tourist visa for our Paris and Rome trip at the France embassy VFS Global office in WAFI Mall, and it only took us 3 days for our visa to be approved. This post aims to share our experience to help those who are also planning to travel to European countries and need to know how to apply for a visa. VFS Global in Dubai handles the visa procedure of many Schengen countries.

Dubai is a really great place for expats who want to travel to other destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and so on. Dubai has busy airports, you can basically choose among many countries to visit with the UAE as a starting point. We hope this guide will help you as we tackle our experience applying for Schengen visa so we could visit France and Italy during our 9-day Europe trip.

Step by Step Guide in Getting a Schengen Visa in UAE

Schengen visa fees, google map location of vfs global in wafi mall, how to process a schengen visa in dubai at vfs global in wafi mall.

Please be advised that the information here is based on our experience applying at the WAFI Mall for a France tourist visa. Other country offices (Italy, Greece, etc.) may have a different processing time of approval.

What is a Schengen Visa?  Before anything else, you might wonder what a Schengen visa is.

Certain European countries have made an agreement/treaty which eliminates border checks between Schengen states. The following are the countries part of the Schengen area:  Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

This makes it easier because of you are travelling to these countries for a holiday, you can apply for a Schengen visa and be granted to visit them using that visa.

1. Choose your main country of travel.  Choose the country or countries you want to visit. This will determine which VFS application center (or other assigned office/agency) you will need to go. In our case, we were travelling to 2 countries, France and Italy, but our first point of entry and main destination is France, hence we needed to apply at the France VFS Global center.

Note on Travelling to More than one Schengen country: In the event that you will travel to different countries in the Schengen area, the embassy that you need to apply for the visa will be based on the country where you will spend the most number of days. But if you will spend equal amount of days in 2 or more countries, you will need to apply for the embassy of the first point of entry.

Also, make sure you go to the office assigned to handle the country. While many countries are under VFS Global, there are some countries where the visa is handled by a different agency. If your main country of travel is Italy, the agency handling it is  Cox & Kings handles Italy, If your main country of travel is Spain, the office that handles it is BLS Intl . So make sure to decide which country so you can go to that specific office.

2.   Book an Appointment online.  After choosing the country, you should set an appointment where you will submit all your documents and your application. You should book an appointment based on your main country. For France, we scheduled an appointment via VFS Global France site  – you need to sign up for an account to log in.

Tip: Kindly make sure that you book an appointment early (maybe 2-3 months before your trip) as the processing for approval may take time and to save you worry. When we booked our schedule, we realized the next available schedule was already less than 2 weeks before our actual date of travel. This caused us a bit of stress and worry because we’re not sure if our visas would get approved on time. 

3. Prepare Your Documents. Now that you have a date of appointment for appearance, you need to  prepare your documents. Make sure they are correct and complete. Below are the documents we’ve gathered:

– Filled-out Application Form – download the Schengen visa application form here. – short-stay visa checklist – download the checklist here – 2 passport photos – please make sure the photo is taken in the last 6 months as this what they asked from us during our appointment. – passport – valid for at least 90 days – UAE residence visa – valid for at least 90 days – NOC from employer – stating purpose of travel, position, monthly salary and begin date of employment in the UAE. – copy of 3-months personal bank statement – copy of itinerary (if the trip is prepared by travel agency) – copy of medical insurance – we bought the cheapest travel insurance from AXA Gulf (around 62 AED for 10 days) – copy of airline tickets – confirmed hotel booking – we booked a hotel via BOOKING.COM 

It took some time for us to create our itinerary (as this is a DIY Europe trip for us). But we were able to complete everything as requested which was great.

4. Go to the Appointment at VFS Global Office.  On the date of our appointment, we went to WAFI Mall to the VFS office to submit all our documents. There’s a bit of queue even if you’ve already booked a specific time. We probably stayed about less than an hour while waiting for our turn. Your documents will be scanned by the rep and they will assess what else may be lacking from the checklist. Once everything is good, you will line up for the fingerprinting and snapping of photo (to be used in the visa stamp). You will then be given a receipt to claim your passport once you will

5. Wait for the status approval. The VFS Global process will send an SMS message on your registered phone about the status of your application for every update. So you will be updated when the application is received, when it’s sent to the Consulate, when it’s sent back to VFS, and when it’s ready for pick-up. This was a very nice touch so you stay posted on the procedure. It took only 3 business days overall (including the day of appearance) for us to get our passports with our visas which was really nice.

waiting for our turn at the VFS Global office – France

How much is the cost of the Schengen visa application? The fees for the application may vary per country. Based on our France Schengen visa fees, we paid the following:

92 AED – appointment schedule booking at the VFS Global site 245 AED – visa processing 30 AED – Courier Service (Optional) – the passport will be delivered to your office workplace instead of picking it up back at WAFI Mall. 250 AED – Premium Lounge Service (Optional) – The VFS office has a premium lounge which is basically a much better service area while you wait for your turn in submitting your documents, you will also be given priority while you submit your application. However, this will not guarantee that the approval of your application.

The required payments were just the appointment and the visa processing which totalled to about 337 AED .

Status Approved – 90-Day Multiple Entry Visa Overall, we were glad to have processed our application swiftly. We were very happy upon seeing our passports with stamped visas with Multiple-Entry valid for 90 days (even if we only applied for a Single-Entry).

This means that after our trip, our Schengen visas are still valid so we could travel to other Schengen countries.

Please be advised that this may differ from every applicant so it’s really helpful if you have all documents required and completed. Also, try to make sure you have enough ‘funds’ in your bank statement to pay for the trip.

Schengen visa stamp – approved – multiple entry for 90 days

We hope you find this guide helpful as you try your luck in processing a visa. To get a more updated list of requirements and procedure, visit the France visa application center in Dubai website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/France/UAE/

For inquiries in your France visa application, you can also contact this number – +971 4-2055999

VFS Global France Address: 2nd floor, WAFI Mall Level 2, Falcon Phase 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates Website: www.vfsglobal.com Phone Number: +971 4 205 5666

Below is a map to provide directions on how to get to VFS Global office in WAFI Mall.

150 thoughts on “Schengen Tourist Visa Application Process in Dubai”

Hello. Me and my husband are planning for europe tour in december. Do we have to prepare separate papers for the visa application? or can we apply together? I’m just concern with the show money on both of our bank accounts. Thank you.

Hi Desiree, I applied with my wife, mother-in-law and I. We are under my wife’s sponsorship. The application/appointment is considered as one, so you can apply together. But in our case, we all presented separate documents/papers. So it’s good that you and your husband both present your bank statements…

Hey! Thanks for the detailed blog. My husband, daughter and I just submitted our France visa application. However, a fees of 60 euro/245 aed per person was not charged at the time of appt booking. VFS only charged their service fee. when will the visa fees be charged?

hi sonia, im not sure when the fees will be charged in your case. good luck in the application though!

HI ED i applied from frnace embassy in abu dhabi, I showed 56000 aed annual salary, 20 000 aed bank balance I received the message from vfs stating passport is ready for collection within 2 days, Is that means visa refusal???are they processed so faster? I will be collecting passport on sunday?? Anyone has experience visa approval within days of processing in abu dhabi???

Hi Milan, This is the process of the VFS (they will send a text message to update you on the situation, much like a lot of Dubai government processes – medical exam, UAE visa application, etc.) This just means they are processing it. i think the best option is for you to contact the VFS to follow up with them about this.. —

Is that means visa refusal?? — no, it just means that you can collect the passport in 2 days. we don’t know yet if it’s approved or not. Anyone has experience visa approval within days of processing in abu dhabi??? — maybe somebody can answer this, but in our case in VFS Dubai France embassy, we were lucky it was processed quickly, like 3-4 days.

this is good that you are receiving updates now, so i guess you can wait for the text message to collect when it’s ready or you can contact VFS to verify your text message 🙂 good luck!

Did you get your visa approved? I’m just wondering since I am in the same situation now. I’m really worried lol thanks!

Dear Team, I would like to travel Spain I am currently working in Dubai my basic salary is 2000Aed I can apply or no ?

best regards,

Hi Azat, it would be up to the embassy to approve it in terms of your basic salary. There are other financial documents (banks statements) that is also required, so it would depend on the situation. In my case, I don’t have a ‘monthly salary’ as I am a dependent of my wife. However, I still presented bank statements with funds, and also applied together with my wife. Would suggest you contact the embassy for further inquiries.

In my opinion only, it would be good that you show proof when you apply that you can ‘afford’ to travel to the destination through these documents. Good luck.

HI ED, IF YOU DONT MIND WHAT YOU THINK HOW MUCH BALANCE I SHOULD BE HAVING IN MY ACCOUNT WHILE APPLYING. THANKS REGARDS

Hi Umar, I think that the balance should be enough for you to cover your expenses when staying in the country based on the number of days there. I think I had about 6000 aed in my bank account at the time, and we already paid for everything. I travelled with my wife and mother-in-law. This is not a guarantee though, if you check the thread, somebody had around 16,000 aed in their bank, but they did not get approved. it’s really a case to case basis. good luck

Hello. Thank you for this blog. I hope you don’t mind me asking some questions. I applied for Schengen VISA via Italian Consulate and my application was refused. Now, I want to try my luck applying for Schengen via French Embassy. Thanks in advance and here are my questions:

1. Is there specific amount needed in the bank account? 2. Did you use dummy tickets for application? 3. May I have a copy of your DIY itinerary? 4. How many days were your travel plan?

THanks so much.

Hi Mark. Sorry to hear about the denied application. Hope my answers help.

1. Is there specific amount needed in the bank account? — i can’t answer that. they didn’t require any specific amount, but it would be good that your bank account shows that you have regular monthly income, and that you have funds enough to cover the costs of your trip. 2. Did you use dummy tickets for application? no, we used tickets that could still be cancelled the last minute should our application get denied. 3. May I have a copy of your DIY itinerary? trying to look for it. lol. my apologies, i think we lost it. it was a simple itinerary. like 2 columns – date – tourist attraction 4. How many days were your travel plan? i think it was 9 days. as we travelled also to Rome (we stayed 5 days in france, and 4 days in rome.

Thanks bro for your response. May God bless you.

Hi Ed, Your blog is so helpful. I want to ask some things, 1. From france to Italy you already booked a ticket? 2. Is your hotel confirmed or just reservations? 3. Your plane ticket is confirmed or just reservations? Which airline? What if i will take 3 countries like France – Italy – Germany, do I need to go back to France to return to Dubai or I can do France- Italy -Germany -Dubai? 4. Do you have other travel history before France?

Thank you and I really appreciate if you could help me with my questions

Hi, Thanks for the message. 1. Yes, we had flight tickets ready from France to Italy (we got it via RyanAir) 2. We had confirmed bookings via Agoda (would recommend you 3. We got confirmed tickets via Emirates. — you don’t have to go back to the same country where you applied for the visa. But make sure you apply for a visa in the country where you stay the longest (or if it’s equal number of days, the first entry point). in our case, we spent 5 days France and 4 days in Italy. Hence, we applied a visa in France. Yes you can go directly to Dubai after Germany. 4. Yes, but only through Asian countries and some countries in the Middle East. I have not visited USA and this was my first European country.

Hello Mr. Ed,

I applied this last Feb 18 on schengen visa to Netherlands, and I only received sms which is my visa application has been forwarded to The Kindom of Netherlands what does it means? and after that no more sms or emails.

Dear Mr. Ed,

I would like to ask you after submission of visa application in Schengen visa in Dubai Wafi mall, What kind of msg I will receive? Because I only received was ” Your visa application has been forwarded in The Kingdom Of Netherland.” what does it means?

Thank you Jasmine

Hi Ja, As what I understand, your application has been forwarded to Netherlands embassy, because basically, the office in WAFI mall will just screen your requirements and papers. It is still up to the embassy (in Netherlands, because I believe you are travelling to Netherlands), to approve it. It just simply means your application is now with the Netherlands office. Please try to wait for days/weeks and you should get another SMS or email that you application results are ready. So now, you just have to wait.

Thank you for your reply..

How many days did your visa in holland approved? This is not my first time applying in holland but yet this is my first time i waited too long.. previously i waited only 3 days….

Hi. Lucky to find your blog. Me and my husband is planning to travel to paris and rome also this end of march for 4 days. We are thinking of 2 ways to get to paris and rome 1. Diy 2. Package tours from agency. My question is can we Present a confirmed dummy booking for air and hotel booking just for the purpose of getting schengen visa and once we get the approval , we’ll proceed to package tours from agencies? Your thoughts please. Thanks

Hi Erika, not sure what you mean by ‘confirmed dummy booking’ — a dummy booking means it is not real, right? basically once you have the schengen visa approved, you can surely get a packaged tour from an agency (as it may seem more convenient), so long as you will still enter in the same country where you’re applying…

Hi Ed. What is a good amount of funds in the bank. Just a rought idea.It’s going to be three of us. Me, my husband and daughter. However, im the only one required to get a visa since they’re both britiah citizens. Would be grateful for your help

hi Sana. oh that sounds good. for me i think the good amount of funds is based on the ‘average’ daily spend in the country, that you have enough budget to spend in the place (for food/transport/etc.). since in our case, we already had ‘booked flights/hotels/tours’. maybe 100 usd per day? i’ve heard some who have above 5K AED (traveling solo) who had visas approved. so just make sure you can cover a daily expense. hope my answer can help.

Is it necessary to show train bookings if i am travelling to different cities. Germany requirement list asked us to show air ticket

I don’t think it’s necessary to show train bookings since you will be in one country only for the duration of your stay. i think it’s best if you show to them your itinerary and the bank account should have sufficient funds that you can afford your whole travel… good luck.

Well documented accurate process, thank you.

Thanks Mark! tried to write this as detailed as possible.

Hi, I’m planning to travel in Italy this coming July, but I don’t know how to do an online appointment, and except for the visa application fee, appointment fee, courier fee, is there other fee we need to pay there, like is there an amount to be paid aside from those, answers are highly appreciated.thanks

Hi Marie, the appointment is done via Cox and Kings Italy website. If you are having a hard time, I recommend you try to ask a travel agency for their service if you don’t want to process the requirements by yourself. So far these were the only fees we paid in terms of the visa application. good luck!

Hi Ed, your blog is very helpful. I have some questions and hope you can advise/answer as I am planning to go to France this year(preferably ber months) but my residence visa expires on 11th of February(I heard the validity should be 3/6months? Not really sure :((

1. What month should I need to apply my visa? And which month need to get an appointment? 2. Is it fine if I’m gonna apply with the help of travel agency? 3. How much money should my bank has if I travel for 5days?

Your response is highly appreciated.

Hi Jaz, please see answers below. this is based on my knowledge only… the Schengen visa, i think the visa should be valid for 3 months — it should be in the application form/requirements from VFS.

1. What month should I need to apply my visa? And which month need to get an appointment? — i think earliest is 3 months before the flight. so you can get an appointment the soonest by then. 2. Is it fine if I’m gonna apply with the help of travel agency? — yes, they can process the papers for you, you pay them for the service. 3. How much money should my bank has if I travel for 5days? — it should have sufficient funds based on a 5-day budget when you stay in France. like how much you’re going to spend for each day should be what’s in your bank account (that’s our educated guess only).

Hi Mr. Ed…your blog is very helpful. I’m planning to travel to France on June 14 to 18 this year. I want to ask some questions.

1) If do you think 8 thousand aed will be a good fund in my bank account after hotel bookings and ticket for 5 days travel there? based on your experienced how much should be the budget per day?

2) Do you think I still have the time to process my visa application for the date of my travel?

3) Do you think it is okay for me to deposit more amount now to my bank to show more as I have only 8 thousand?

4) you mention that you travel with your wife and mother in law, How much was your budget for 3 of you per day?

Hope to hear from you the soonest.. Thank you in advance. ?

1. i think the amount is fine for 5 days given that you already have hotels and tickets already. basically you just need to feed yourselves and do daily transport. imagine if you budget in Dubai (which is also an expensive city). how much you budget for food. 8K for 5 days is more than enough. cannot really say how much the budget per day, maybe 100 usd is more than enough?

2. i think so. earliest you can process is 3 months before the flight, then the latest is 2 weeks before the flight. you still have at least 6 weeks. they only need around 3 business days to approve it or not. Maybe a week even.

3. Yes, i believe that would look much better that you have more money to spend in their country.

4. apologies, but i don’t have this information, i think it was maybe 150 usd per day (think of it like a ‘meal’, let’s say 20 euros per person per meal x 3 meals a day x number of days you’re going to stay there). the point is to make sure that you don’t become ‘beggar’s in their country. that you can ‘afford’ to travel and stay there.

what a relief to hear your answers Ed.. Thank you so much.. So I think I’m gonna really do this since it’s my birthday on June.. big help,your answers are much appreciated. ?

you’re welcome. good luck in your trip! please do try to contact VFS Global in WAFI if you have any other specific questions as they can best answer for you 🙂

Hi, I just want to ask regarding visa processing. I have appoitment on May28. I’m a little confused on what will I submit. For the application form. I also fill out all the necessary question on VSF Global site. Should I just print it or i need to hand written it?

Hi, print the application form and then fill it out with your details.

hi Mr. Ed… I have some more questions regarding the flught ticket and hotel booking. So I book a hotel in booking.com.. But that is like a reservation only since they didn’t take an amount from my card yet is that okay with applying the visa? And also regarding the flight ticket did you and your family book and paid a flight ticket? what if i will not get the visa? any suggestions for flight ticket? I got an appointment to vfs on may 15. hope to hear from you again. thanks..

Hi Joana – im not sure what’s the status of that reservation, but is it a ‘confirmed’ reservation? so long as you have proof that you are already booked with the hotel (showing that you have accommodation during your stay), i think it’s fine. As for flight ticket, we booked confirmed flight tickets that we could still cancel in case we don’t make it. that would be the risk if you don’t book a flight ticket that cannot be cancelled, so try looking for a travel agency or airline that you can book but can still cancel.

ohw yeah it’s showing confirmed. only the flight ticket is my problem now. I didn’t try to go to travels yet to ask, i’m checking online but the tickets that are refundable are too expensive. hehe… thanks for your reply again..

no problem. good luck!

Hello can anybody please guide me how much bank statement require for schengen viza . Am only one person and i want visit for 3 days in france and 2 days in spain . i shall be thankful if someone tel me that how mininum much bank statement i required at the time to apply viza . Thankyou

Hi Faizan, it would be best that you contact the embassy or VFS where you’re going to apply for the visa for assistance. as what i understand, bank statement should show that you have enough funds (coming in regularly) and that you can ‘pay’ for your travel. just try to think of a budget per day based on the country where you’re going to stay multiplied by the number of days. again this is just an opinion and would be best to contact authorities.

I have an appointment on 17th May. Exit date is 30th June. My Sharjah visa expires on 15th Aug. I have processed my visa renewal today. I doubt my visa renewal will happen before 17th. Should i rebook an appointment once i get my visa renewed. As it states 90days from the date of exit from France visa shud be valid while applying.

Please advise..

hi jayesh, i don’t understand your question, but please try to contact VSF france for assistance regarding your inquiry.

hi mr Ed… do you have any idea how i will appeal for my visa application rejection? my visa application was denied i don’t know if it’s bcoz of my fund..but i am applying for 5 days only and i have 16 thou aed in my bank.. do you think isn’t it enough? my passport will expire on november and visa on october. my travel date june 14.. is it bcoz of it? but it says in the requirements that 90 days validity is fine. i’m sad about the rejection ?

Hi Joanna, sorry to hear about it. I don’t know what to do to appeal the rejection. it would be best you contact VSF for advice. that’s their rules when we also applied for it (re: 90 days), but i could not really tell why they rejected it. i hope you get advice from them so they can also share what you can do.

Hi Joana, it is possible that the reason of rejection sf because your visa will expire soon. I have the same problem before so i waited for my visa to be renewed then applied for Schengen Visa.

Hi Ed, We have an appointment for Schengen visa by end of this month. My husband is under my sponsorship but he is currently doesn’t have a job. Do you think this will affect our application? We have separate bank statements. Do you think we should provide additional documents for my husband?

Appreciate your response. Thanks,

Hi Liz, i really would not be able to answer for VSF if they will approve it or not. I think it’s good to provide additional bank account for your husband (providing that he has funds in it), but this is just my opinion. We also included our marriage certificate as an additional document. But best to really contact VSF.

My travel is quite different from yours. Planning to visit Prague – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest for 15 days and my questions are

1. Is it ok if i will book 2 different Airlines? Like flydubai from DxB to Prague and different Airlines fron Budapest back to Dxb, so it 2 separate tickets

2. Upon checking I’ll be going by bus or trains going from country to country, do I need to book in advance the bus/trains tickets together with my documents when i submit it?

3. I am quite new to my company, 10 months upon applying for my visa and exactly one year of my intended travel dates, is there a concern with this matter?

I really appreciate if you could give me some advice base on your experience. Thank you very much

Hi HA, Please be advised that these are just my OPINIONS and for further consultation, it’s best to contact VSF directly.

1. It should be fine so long as you have flight tickets (they’re not picky on airlines so long as you really are coming back to Dubai) 2. i cannot answer for this as we didn’t ride any trains between countries (but i think if you book in advance, the better as this shows a clear plan for them to see, but again, this is still a case to case basis). 3. i don’t think it’s a big factor. so long as you fulfill the requirements needed and you have the capacity to pay for your trip.

Hello what about long stay visa processing time? Thanks

Hi Sajed, I would not be able to share my insights on that. Please contact VSF for further questions.

Your blog is really helpful. Please keep it going.

I’m planning to go to France, Rome and Norway. Do i have to apply for a separate Visa for each country? And do i really have to get a Medical Insurance? because base on what I have read in the internet it costs €3000 only for 9 days and that would be more or less 120K AED. Please advise.

Hi, Thanks for the message. No you don’t need to apply for each visa for each country (so long as these countries belong to one Schengen estate) — you only need to apply for a visa for the country where you’re going to spend the most number of days. — please verify this with VSF.

As for the other question — re: medical insurance — please double check with the company where you got that information. Try to say “Medical Insurance for TRAVEL Purpose” or just simply say “TRAVEL Insurance” — tell them it’s good for 90 days. we paid ours via AXA Insurance for less than 100 AED. or you can try asking other insurance providers. Please check with an insurance agent that offers “Travel Insurance” and also, please check with VSF

Thank you so much for your response Ed. Helps a lot. More power to you.

hi mark, would like to ask if what month you applied for the shengen visa in vfs france dubai? because we got our appointment at vfs abu dhabi and it is less than 2 weeks before our travel dates. Got really worried about it.

Were you able to get the visa before your travel dates even you applied less than 2 weeks? Having the same problem as yours. 🙁

Dear Mr. Mark Thanks in advance for your help.

I want to apply Schengen for Lithuania visa, Spain embassy is looking after Lithuania visa. May I know how to get appointment and what are the steps to apply.

also please suggest if this is a good idea as I heard they have the highest acceptance rate.

Regards Noman

Hi Ed, I want to know if am allowed to apply for France tourism visa,am working in UAE Since 2008, my position as a office assistant, and my salary is 3200dh please help me with my answer, thanks you

Hi Sumon, I think anybody is eligible to apply for a Schengen visa (France) so long as you are able to submit all necessary documents. It will be up to the embassy to approve your application or not. They did not say any ‘minimum’ amount of salary, but in a way, it should help that you are able to ‘afford’ your planned trip. Would suggest you contact VFS for more details.

Hi Ed, Do you have an idea if its possible for a German National to sponsor my trip to France? If he sends me an invitation letter, would that be sufficient and acceptable to the France Consul? Do you have an idea? Please advise.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, I would not be able to advise on this as it is best for VFS to answer this question. In terms of sponsoring, are you referring to accommodation? – I think if you are going to stay in a house/apartment of another person, it should be a resident of the place (France in this case). I think it’s good that your sponsor will definitely take responsibility for your stay and to provide a letter for that — this is what other people are doing if they have ‘friends/family’ who are residents of that country and will vouch to take care of your ‘accommodation’. But it’s still best to verify with VFS.

Hi Ed! I just wanna share my experience last year with the Austrian embassy. I was planning to visit my BF in Austria. My BF had to collect a few documents as well coz he sponsored me. He submitted his Bank Statement, payslip, electronic guarantee letter or EVE which has been approved by the Federal Ministry of Austria, title deed etc. On my appointment day I submitted all my docs in VFS. Everything went well after a few days they sent me a mail saying my application has been sent to the Austrian embassy in Abudabhi. After a day they sent me another mail saying my application is on process. After a few days a representative from the Austrian embassy sent me a mail. She sent me an attachement where it shows the checklist. My documents had all check mark except my Bank Statement. She asked me a stupid question where and how i took the 11k aed?! So I replied her. I told her that those were my savings from very long time ago and salary, I was depositing money every month. Then the next day she put a checkmark on Bank Statement list. BUT! he put a crossmark to my BF’s EVE! which was a checkmark before! and take note, it has been already approved by the F. Ministry of Austria. My BF got pissed, so he wrote back to the representative and asked what does she wants more if it has stamp by the ministry. The representative replied and told him to go back again to the office and ask for a letter of approval. My BF had no choice but to go back again. After a few days we sent it to her. Then after a day we got replied from her, the EVE has already checkmark BUT! She put a cross mark to my NOC! which has a checkmark before! She said the format should be like this blah blah blah. So I went to my company and asked the HR staff to change it, and I scanned it and Submitted to her the next day. And then you wont believe what happened next. She told us that all our documents should be translated all in german and whenever we write her it should be in German language only. So I freaked out! She should have told us at the beginning that it should be like that including my Bank Statement, NOC, etc. I dont know if thats really a requirement? I just speak a bit german and if she wants me to reply her in german and my docs all in german then i will really have a hard time! she really gave us a hard time and i think shes just playing with us and no intention of approving my application. Since my vacation was almost over and i ran out of time, my BF and I just decided to back out. We did everything but still the representative was being unreasonable.

so sorry to hear about your experience, hope that others reading this will get an idea about your situation.

Hi Ed, is the short stay visa checklist a mandatory document we need to carry when we go for the appointment? As this document was not listed on the vfs website.

Hi JM, i don’t remember anymore if this is mandatory. i think the guys at the desk have a copy/checklist as well and will confirm your presented documents anyway — but please don’t take my word for it and contact VFS offic to verify.

Hi, I just want to ask if its okay to have a show money only as I only have a saving accounts from my country of origin? I only have a current account here in Dubai which is basically used only for Salary Transfer. More or less I will carry around 35,000 AED as I am planning to visit France,Spain and Italy?

Sittie: the requirement from the VFS office doesn’t indicate a ‘show money’ so better to deposit your money in your Dubai bank account. I believe you can still deposit your 35K AED back to your current account. Please contact VFS for more details though.

Is it possible If we will apply together for Schengen Visa, I do have a 2-years visa here in UAE and my husband do have a 90 days UAE tourist visa. TIA.

Hi Wendy, I don’t think it’s possible for your husband to apply, because the requirement they need is a ‘UAE residence visa’ — and your husband only has a ‘tourist visa’. So it needs to be converted to a residence visa. Pls contact the VFS for clarification though.

I am planning to apply for a schengen through czech republic and got an appointment for 5th August the thing is that I am willing to travel in 21st August and after my appointment on 5th i am hardly getting 16 days for processing is that enough time to get it done ? How much time it normally takes for normal application roughly I mean …

Hi Uzair, I would not be able to advise on that. Please check with the Czech Republic consulate/embassy/VFS office. I think the latest is 2 weeks before (based on our experience with France VFS office). We got our visa in 3-4 business days after we applied. Again, the best people to answer that would be official reps handling these applications. We got lucky during our application. Good luck!

• Pingback: China Tourist Visa Application Process in Dubai | Dubai Travel Blog

Hi ,Ed Iam working in Dubai I want to tourist Portugal But my salary not come bank it’s come on exchange so don’t have account I have my salary slip I can apply for the tourist visa

Hi Pandi, I’m not sure if you can apply for Schengen visa using salary slips. I believe the embassies need a bank statement aside from making sure that you regularly get your salary, that you have official ‘savings’ stored in your account under your name. Why not try to open a UAE bank account and from there you can deposit your salary after getting it from the Exchange center? But please try to contact the office to clarify this info.

Just want to ask my husband and I are planning to on Europe tour FRANCE-ITALY-GREECE-UAE, however there is one problem his UAE visa is from Abu dhabi coz he’s working there and mine is here from Dubai. They said you should apply where your UAE visa is registered. Does it mean that we won’t be able to apply together, it would be separate? he will be applying in abu Dhabi and me here in dubai? so much hassle.

Hi , it does sound like a hassle if you have to apply in separate places just because of your visas. Would recommend that you try to contact VFS Dubai or Abu Dhabi because technically, I believe all applications will be forwarded to the same embassy. So better to contact VFS directly. Good luck!

I hope you’re doing great.

Upon reading your page, I had a bit of chances for expecting that our visa will be release soon. Same as what happened to yours. We applied visa last August 16 and our expected departure will be on the 30th. We never expect that it will be 3 weeks as what they are telling and with the VFS site as well. I was just somehow bothered and hoping we can get it despite of this EID breaks. 🙁

Hi Marie, Yes it is bothersome due to the time and the holidays. It really depends on them, good luck!

More power to you mate. Your response is a great help to many like me.

My concern: I have applied for me and my family’s Czech Republic tourist visa on 30th July 2018 at VFS Dubai.

Since 31st July it shows the same status as “Your application is under process at Embassy of Czech Republic, Abu Dhabi on 31st July 2018”.

My flight is on 31st August and I am very much worried now as it is more than 23 days and the status is still the same. Do you have any idea what best can I do in such situation? I have already sent email to VFS as well as to Consulate 3 days back and Consulate asked me to contact VFS. Waiting for response from VFS on this since it was holidays the next day after I sent the email.

Please advise the best step I should take to avail my visa asap.

Thanks, Mohsin!

Hi Mohsin, Yes I understand the feeling. Based on the timeline, it seems like you still have a few days before you get your result. I guess it’s due to the Eid holidays which adds to the delay. I cannot speak for VFS or the Consulate, so please try to wait for the holidays to be over and contact them the soonest for advice. Good luck!

hello! I applied already for the visa. we called the vfs and they said we should apply separately since our visas are registeres under diff emirates. however, I am a bit anxious because I put Paris instead of France in our 1st entry and the agent was insisting me to put 13 days when in fact our intended atay os only for 8 days. so i followed her. know I am anxious about my visa .

Hi, i see then we have to go through their process. good luck with it, hope you get it. 🙂

hello, I have uae visa but the validity is less than 90 days from my return ticket to Dubai, Is there a possibilites that my visa will approve?

Hi, i don’t think it’s possible because what they advised ‘last time i checked’ is that it should be more than 90 days. please try to contact VFS to clarify.

Hello, we applied last August 19 and got a refusal letter August 30th. We re applied again last sunday Sept 20, and still under process to france embassy. Last time, we did not submitted a cover letter, and we requested a bank statement 1 week before our appointment date to VFS. And right after we request for a bank statement, we made a withdrawal in our account. Is it possible that’s one of the reasons why we got refusal letter, saying insufficient means of subsistence.

it’s been 3 working days now since we re applied last sunday. I’m praying we will get it this time. We made a cover letter, we increase our money in our bank account and we are not withdrawing any amount right now in our atm.

Hi Rich, it is possible but please don’t take my word for it. it seems like that’s the reason, because they might feel that you are not capable of funding your vacation if the bank statement shows that you don’t have money in your account. yes, until you get the statement (with enough money in your account), don’t withdraw yet.

sorry, when you re-applied, did you request for a new bank statement with enough money in it?

Hi , my friend and I , applied together as a group in VFS dubai for france visa on last thursday but I got a message to day , 1 Oct that my passport is ready for collection, however my friend application is still in process as per the tracker? is this normal that i got earlier but we applied together. I am a bit worried.

hi, im not sure about this. can’t really share any feedback on this. we applied with my wife and my mother-in-law as one. and we received messages from our phones each.

Hi ed can you please advise me to prepare the travel itinerary? Can we prepare it by our self? Is it fine to prepare our self or we need to go to the agency for that?

Hi Umesha, we didn’t hire an agency for our trip. We prepared our own itinerary (but we didn’t include it as part of our submitted documents when the agent at WAFI mall checked). but still good to prepare one. Our itinerary was simple. it had 3 columns – DATE – LOCATION – ACTIVITIES/TOURIST SPOTS – which described the things we were planning to do within the day. hope this info helps 🙂

DO you have any idea what time is the passport collection time in France VFS in Abu Dhabi?

Hi, sorry, I don’t have that info.

Ed thanks for your urgent response your blog is really helpful who ever people going to apply for schenegen visa , you are doing great job really appreciate it keep it up??

I try my best! thanks Umesha!

• Pingback: Inside the Beautiful Sainte Chapelle in Paris, France | Dubai Travel Blog

thanks for this blog kabayan 🙂 just want to ask what if i can’t provide NOC only employment certificate. is that okay? hoping for response. 🙂

Hi, I’m not sure how if it is okay or not. This is one of their requirements. and the NOC shows that your sponsor is aware of that you will be travelling to a different country because they are responsible for your visa stay. If you only have an employment certificate (because that is the format in certain government/public entities), I believe it also has your salary info and years in the company and position? — I don’t remember much but my wife didn’t present an NOC because of this situation. Best to contact the VFS in WAFI for much updated info.

Hi, Is it required to purchase also train or plane tickets when i will go from paris to venice to florence and finally to rome?

I am planning to show plane tickets dubai to paris rome to dubai

but not the train tickets

hi, i don’t think it is required. but best to contact VFS for this.

Hi, my basic salary is 5000aed. I have 6000aed in my salary account, hope it enough for a 5days trip to Lithuania??

hi emmanuel, good luck with the application. I think you just need to also show that you actually have enough money (savings) to show that you are able to afford your 5-day trip.

hi Mr. Ed , with due respect to your blog find it helpful i just want to ask is there somebody here lodge their application in VFS abu dhabi(visa for Netherlands ) last March 5 is there any update as it now 9 days since i lodge my application the waiting is nerve wracking please advise how many days usually the Netherland embassy reply thanks and good luck to all of us waiting to our visa its my first time to apply actually.

Hi Grace, apologies but I don’t have that information. best contact the VFS Abu Dhabi for Netherlands for this. good luck!

Hi Grace; did u get visa? I wanted to ask you how many days it took for you to get the Netherlands visa?

Hey Ed, your travel blog has cleared a lot of doubts. thank you so much! You are a ray of hopes for many! I have a few questions to ask (little confused)

1) I, along with my wife, am planning to visit UK, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy & Vatican City (12 Days tour) – what do you feel should be the reasonable amount in AED in our accounts each? (roughly)

2) We both will be applying together but don’t have internationally valid/recognized marriage certificate and also we don’t have each others name mentioned in “spouse name” on our passport. you think this will be an issue for getting rejected. does it make any difference if we apply individually or make a common application?

3) We will be applying for visas from Dubai but will be travelling from “Mumbai – to the countries of visit – Mumbai” during our annual leaves. what do you think ? is it possible?

Kind Regards, Many Thanks

Hi Brijesh, 1) Really cannot say for certain what is reasonable. But let’s try to make sure that you have an itinerary that can cover your accommodation/hotel plus food/transpo plus other expenses (tickets, souvenirs, etc.)

2) My passport doesn’t have the name of my wife, and when our passports were still in “SINGLE” status when we applied. It’s better to make a common application (as you will be going together), still better to show your marriage certificate as proof. the marriage cert can be attested in Ministry of Foreign Affairs though just to ensure that it can be accepted by UAE authorities (but the marriage certificate, I believe, is not a requirement — still we presented it for added proof).

3) The Schengen visa stamp is for your Entry to the Schengen country so I feel it’s alright and possible so long as the visa is valid.

Hey Ed, its really nice to see such a wonderful info about schengen visa. i m pakistani national living here since 20years. travelling is my passion. i had travelled on Schengen visa ( Italy- france- holland & swiss). last year travel Australia & NewZealand ..NZ is a beauti , people must visit that part of world . last just want so say ur artical awesome helps a lot for the people on process…:)

Hi Mohammad, thanks for the kind words. glad that my article has helped guide others looking to apply for a visa 🙂

hi Ed …..i got my second schengen visa july 26, 2019… invisibley y r helping lots of peope…..any artical for UK visa …..?

Hi Mohammed congrats on your visa! For UK we haven’t tried yet but will surely update this blog in case we do!

Anyone here applied for schengen visa in netherlands and received their visa before 15 days? I submitted my visa application 4-April-2019 till today still i have not receive it.

I wanted to ask you how many days it took for you to get the Netherlands visa? i submitted my visa application 4-April-2019 till today still i have not receive it.

Hi we processed it via France VFS. took us about a week.

Hello Ed, my name is Jiji. I submitted all my documents last Sunday and waiting until i get notification from my phone. I completed all my documents and my sponsor’s documents plus i submitted some proof of our relation (my boyfriend). I just want to ask, are they strict when it comes to relationships since this is a muslim country (Dubai). Hopefully they approve it.

hi jiji, i can’t really say if they are strict or not. it’s still up to them to decide even if you present all docs. good luck with your application!

Thank you for your blog kabayan.. My wife And I with our son are planning to toue also Paris and Italy..Is it ok if we have a joint account for the bank requirements?

hi jeffry, i think that should be fine, the bank account is (most likely) used to check if you have money sufficient to fund your trip. whoever is employed should present their bank statements. but if you have more than one bank account (with money saved) the better. good luck!

Very nice blog and i really like It.

Me and my fiance are travelling together to Italy this june for 7 days.

My fiance has 5k on her salary with good bank balance.

But to be honest on my side my salary is only 3000 aed with below 10k bank balance.

And we were advised by the agency who is faciltating our docs that I have to request an NOC which has 5000 aed as basic salary to have a better chance of approval.

Can you confirm if this is really necessary? Becauase the person is pushing us to request NOC and payslip that declares I have a 5000 aed basic salary.

To add she also told us that below 5k salary has a 50/50 chance of being approved.

hello john, i cannot say for sure if this is a ‘necessary’ process. but the guys at the travel agency may have a more experience and insights especially when applying for visas.. good luck on that!

Me and my wife (house wife under my sponsorship in uae) had applied swiss tourist visa for 7days (14th june to 21st june) on 29th April 2019. We paid for the sms charges but did not received a single sms yet for successful submission of our application and biometrics. As per the lady at the counter of vfs abu dhabi. She told us that we are applying for the visa with the 11 days of time period to our planned flight (confirmed flight) but basically, we applied 16 days before our arrival date.

Question is:

1. Which date is to be considered for swiss embassy for considering the application (29th april) or today as its a working day because 30th april was the day off for swiss embassy)?

2. We fulfilled all the correct/valid documents means for the application specially i attached 6months of salaried account bank statement along with the credit card and its statement as well – being noted i have more then 20k available in my account where my salary gets transfers and the CC (copy) attached along with its statement has also 40k limit without a single dirhams outstanding.

Kindly let us know your thoughts to decrease the level of our stress in order to the visa to be granted!

Thanks in advance Mr. ED.

Hello Essa. Just my thoughts on your questions. 1. As what I understand, government agencies/banks mention only ‘business days’ or ‘working days’ so weekends/holidays are not included in the counting. 2. If you’ve shared all the documents and information (seems like your bank profile has more than enough funds for your 7 days stay – actually our funds were lesser compared to yours) then there is a highly likely chance your visa will get approved. But we cannot really be 100% sure that it will be automatically approved as it’s still a case to case basis and ‘enough finances’ is just one of the factors they will check.

The processing time really depends on the embassy and the office. In our case, our Schengen Visa (via France VFS) we really got lucky as we got it earlier than expected. So I’m afraid that the waiting part is really part of the things we will worry about. Please note that these are just my opinions as a previous applicant of a Schengen visa, it’s still best to contact the official team processing it. But good luck on the application!

Hi Ed, This blog is really helpful! I am planning to go to France for 5 days and 2 days in Amsterdam. My question is, do I need to mention Amsterdam in my France visa application form? Would it impact my visa in case my application was approved? I mean, if I can go to Amsterdam and come back to Paris without any hassle? Could you please advise as I am a bit confused, and of course it would be easier for me if I will prepare only Paris necessary requirements for visa application. Many thanks and would appreciate all your insights.

Hi Gyombs, i actually forgot what to include in the form. It’s best to mention the places where you will be visiting. You will definitely need to apply at the France VFS since most of your time will be spent in France. In our case, we spent 4 days in France and 3 days in Italy. Although our flight was back from Italy to Dubai. Once you have a Schengen visa, you are free to travel to Schengen countries (France and Netherlands included) so answering your question, yes you can travel to Amsterdam from Paris and then back so long as you have the visa approved. good luck!

Anyone here try to apply for Austrian Schengen visa?

HI ED, I prepared all the documents for france schengen visa, unfortunately visa appointment not available even 45 days still there to onboard. i booked flight on 12 th aug but appointment date available on 2nd sep. I contact VFS, they told me keep monitor their website may be embassy can reopen the slot for july. I prepaid everything. You have any idea to overcome the situation. If i walk in VFS, they can help me to get appointment?

Hi Mohammed,

Thanks for the message. That doesn’t sound good that they don’t have available appointment. I am not sure what else to do but just keep checking the website for schedule availability (if somebody has cancelled their existing appointment) so you can take that slot. In terms of walking in, I do not think they will let you inside VFS unless you have a scheduled appointment. But I do remember that they have VIP areas for those who want to pay a premium but again, it’s only for those who already have schedules in the system. Maybe you can try calling VFS and ask them if there is a premium service that you can pay extra — I’m still not confident they have this option though.

Good luck and hoping there’s a vacant slot that will open up.

i applied for Neatherland visa 09july 2019 just today received its take more then 15 days ….but its good to have visa Thankd God… its my second Schengen visa… for pakistani national its hard to get Eurpoean visa…due to dubai resident its done…:)

Congratulations to you Faisal. Thanks as well for sharing your experience. Hope other readers will be able to read your comment for their reference 🙂

hi Ed….can u please advice i have recived my schgen visa from netherlands embassy valid up to 07/11/2019 , will go in september for 5 days… after that i have to go italy 25/11/2019 so its possible can apply in mid september for italy visa ? 1- if one schengen visa is valid can apply second as date is beyond first validity of visa?

Hi Mohammed. yes, if your visa expires by July 25 and you have another trip. you need to apply for another Schengen visa (for Italy) If you’re schengen visa will expire in a later date like let’s say December 2019, you don’t have to apply for other Schengen visas anymore as you already have existing valid one available. But as always, please clarify with VSF or the embassies.

hi Thanks Ed it will help …:)

Hi Ed, The earliest that I can book for an appointment is on the 11th of September, my flight is on the 29th and this seriously bothering me. I was wondering how long was the waiting time for you? Thanks!

Hi Kat, In our case, we only had a week before our flight. But our visas were approved in about 3-4 days. We were lucky but I think you have enough dates available. Still it’s dependent on the processing by the embassy. Good luck!

Me and my wife had applied 2 days ago a visa to italy after 28 days. In my judgment all our documents are fine except bank statement. Bank statement show literally 32 dirhams balance in my account. I explained in the cover letter that I don’t keep any money in my account as im cash person and my savings are already in cash which the reality. I have high salary more than 25k per month. I have good history visa to USA (2 times) I even have visa to italy 2 years ago but I didn’t use it as they rejected my friend’s visa at that time and I didn’t want to travel alone. I justified all those matters in the cover letter. I already have confirmed flights on snd hotels and trip plan. I have NOC crom my employer which is government btw. Im a bit nervous about bank statement issue. I hope they will grant me the visa. I will share update and results here for others to get benefit of my case.

Hi Asem, Thanks for sharing your story. If I were in your shoes, it would also be a concern for me but I think it’s good that you wrote a letter explaining that. Good luck in your application. Do let us know of the result!

As expected They sent me today that my application is on hold until i provide financial sufficiency approve ((

Do you think 18 thousand AED for 18 days trip are enough?

Hi Asem, I guess you should try to deposit the money back to your bank and request for another statement. As for the question on 18,000 AED. Are you planning to travel elsewhere and is your accommodation is already paid for? For me, I think that is enough. I’m not sure how much Euro per day they’ve assessed as an average pay per tourist. But let’s say you just stay in one country. I think 1000 aed per day is more than enough for two people (in case you still need to pay for hotel). This is just my own calculation. Like in Dubai, you can find 250 AED rooms per night for two people, let’s say you also eat twice per day for 300 AED for two people (150 AED for lunch and 150 AED for dinner). – That adds up to 550 AED per day x 18 day = 9900 AED for 18 days (in Dubai), I think costs in France is a bit higher. So yes, this shoul be enough given you have 18K AED — but again please do NOT take my word for it. good luck!

Hi ED The 18k is my budget for everything. I booked all my staying of 17 nights for around 8k. So i am left with 10K.

I found this from a website but its confusing I can’t understand it

“11-20 days – The overall amount is 51.64€ per person and 25.82€ per two and more persons, plus the daily amount is 36.67€ per person and 22.21€ per two and more persons”

Hi Asem, yes that looks really confusing. but just basing it off the ‘per person’ amount for the overall (51.64 euro or 210 AED) 18 day = 3780 AED x 2 persons total = 7560 AED — if we base it from this computation, you should be good to go. when you think about it, would you spend 210 AED for yourself per day in Dubai? let’s say you’re not working, and you just want to eat outside (in cheaper areas), i think 210 AED is more than enough. so equivalent to that in France, I think it’s okay as well.

also you may check i think the minimum wage per day for France workers as I read somewhere that this is their basis (??) anyway. still better to wait now after submitting what they asked. good luck!

Hi ED I received my passport with visa on it today ?

Hi Asem, congratulations and happy trip!

hi… myself Neeraj. I went to italy two times in 2018 on a business visa and again applied a visa in july 2019 but couldnt go as i became sick….same business visa…

This time i am applying a tourist visa of italy and my appointment date on 13th november 2019. so My question is that would it be a problem that i am applying a tourist visa after getting three business visa of the same country.. Will counsalte think that why am i going to italy again on a tourist visa…?

possible to get a tourist visa of italy after having three visa?

Hi Neeraj. I would not be able to speak on behalf of the Italian embassy/consulate. They might think that, but if you have proof that you are there to visit as a tourist, then for me, it should be fine. People who don’t have visas in a country usually apply for visas beforehand so it’s normal to always apply for a visa (3 times, 5 times, etc…) every time you visit a country that needs it. good luck!

Good evening Mr. Ed. Your travel guide is really helpful and inspiring. Just wondering if you can still see my concerns and appreciate if you could also advise me of the below:

I am a Filipino working here in Dubai and will submit my application single entry tourist Schengen visa in French Embassy for approx. 20 days tour. My concern is when doing the Itinerary, it is okay if I will mention that I will also visit Netherlands and Belgium via train and stay there for at least 4-5 days each as part of my trip? Will this affect the success rate of my visa approval in French Embassy? Or should I stick to indicate of my travel itinerary that I will just visit France only?

Thanks and appreciate your response on me 🙂

Hello Lorraine, I’m also a Filipino. 🙂 I think it’s okay to mention that you will be visiting other countries so long as the majority of your visit is in France (given you will apply in the French embassy). During our trip, we travelled to Paris (France) and Rome (Italy). Would suggest to include it but really it’s better to contact the VFS Global for updated information. Good luck!

Comments are closed.

• [email protected]
• +971 42087543

Schengen Visa

The qualified visa team at SchengenVisa.ae will help you with proficient visa services to enter the Schengen Zone. The Schengen area is one the largest free-travel zones in the world and consists of 26 European nations including France, Greece, Italy, Germany, etc. Accordingly, with your Schengen visa, you will be able to travel to any of the 22 countries included in the European Union (EU), besides the four member countries of EFTA (European Free Trade Association), such as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.

Depending on the nature of your visit, our knowledgeable visa agent will offer genuine advice and guidance to help you pick the right visa according to your individual circumstances. A tourist visa may be ideal for a holiday in the Schengen area or even to visit your friends or relatives settled here. Now, if you need a Schengen visa for official purpose, we can help you obtain a business visa. There is also a multiple-entry visa in case you have to make multiple visits to the Schengen zone during the visa’s validity period.

So, don’t worry if you find the Schengen visa application procedures cumbersome! Simply get in touch with our visa specialists with in-depth knowledge in the field. They will guide you in every step, right from the initial inquiry to the prompt approval of your Schengen visa.

Our Schengen Visa Categories: Easy Apply At Best Prices

How to apply for schengen visa from dubai.

Schengen Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa

Depending on the purpose of your Schengen visit, you can select from Schengen Tourist Visa or Schengen Business Visa.

Step 2: Gather Essential Documents

You will need the following documents for processing of Schengen visa. You can mail these to [email protected]. But, make sure that you courier your original passport or drop it off to us directly in person.

• Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
• Applicant’s original passport that is valid for at least three months from the date you plan to return from the Schengen area
• Two recent passport-size photographs taken within three months
• Letter of invitation letter from friends or family
• Accommodation details, as well as a detailed itinerary that covers accommodation, and flight information
• Bank statement from the previous three months to ensure that you have enough funds to support your Schengen trip
• International travel insurance

Step 3: Payment of the Visa Fee

Once you have compiled all the necessary documents, the next step is to make a visa payment using your convenient mode via credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.

Step 4: Visa Processing

After we receive all your valid documents, our experts will verify them before you attend the interview. On the same day of the interview, there will be a biometric scan, which is mainly undertaken for your digital photograph, fingerprints, etc.

Step 5: Receive Your Visa

It takes three to four working days for your Schengen visa to be processed. Once your visa is approved, we will inform you via your registered email.

Schengen Visa Travel Guide

Documents Required for Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa allows you the flexibility to visit all the European countries that belong to the Schengen Zone. Emiratis do not need a pre-approved visa to enter the Schengen Zone. But if you are a UAE resident not eligible for any Schengen visa exemption, you can apply for a Schengen visa from the embassy or visa center of the country you want to visit. Here are the documents that you need to submit while applying for a Schengen visa from the UAE:

• Fully completed and signed Schengen visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs (not older than 3 months)
• Original passport with at least 3 months validity from the date of returning from the Schengen Zone (the passport should not be more than 10 years old)
• Proof of accommodation: a hotel or hostel booking, a rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host (a friend or family member)
• Round-trip itinerary, including details like flight numbers, dates, and time
• Proof of financial means: a bank account statement from the last 3 months, a sponsorship letter from the host who would be supporting you financially during your trip, or a combination of both
• Travel insurance with a minimum of 30,000 Euros coverage
• Proof of visa fee payment

We've served 1 million+ guests and we are here for you

ATM 2024: UAE reveals details of GCC’s Schengen-styled ‘Grand Tours’ visa

The GCC Grand Tours visa will allow tourists to spend more than 30 days in the region

Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, unveiled plans for the introduction of the ‘GCC Grand Tours’ visa, a unified Gulf tourist visa, during the Arabian Travel Market’s (ATM) opening day.

“In a significant move aimed at simplifying travel logistics and fostering tourism, the Gulf Cooperation Council has given the green light to a unified tourist visa that will allow travellers to visit all six countries,” stated Al Marri.

The GCC Grand Tours visa will allow tourists to spend more than 30 days in the region. According to the minister, this will make travel to the region more convenient and affordable for tourists. It will also increase activity and employment numbers in the region, he added.

Rollout and implementation of visa system

While an official rollout date was not provided, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority indicated that the system should be operational by the end of 2024.

“By the end of this year, the whole system should be in place. Many people and teams, led by the Ministry of Economy in the UAE and other ministries in other countries, are working on it tirelessly to make it happen in the best possible way, emphasising digital transformation,” said Al Midfa.

Al Midfa highlighted the collaborative efforts among ministries to ensure a seamless and digitally transformed visa system.

What an incredible day it has been! The first day of #ATMDubai 2024 was absolutely breathtaking, and the exciting part is that it’s only the beginning! If you missed it, don’t worry – you can still join us tomorrow by registering here ➡️ https://t.co/HfUrYegQqZ . pic.twitter.com/PoP52tdYvg — ATM Dubai (@ATMDubai) May 6, 2024

Economic impact and tourism growth

Al Marri emphasised the economic significance of tourism. The minister cited the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) research and stated that travel and tourism contributed 11.7 per cent to the UAE’s GDP last year, amounting to Dhs220bn.

“The forecast is set even higher, with an anticipated contribution of 12 per cent to our GDP, equating to Dh236bn,” he added.

“I believe that our regional ambitions should not be to recover to pre-pandemic benchmarks but exceed them merely,” said Al Marri.

Benefits and prospects

The ‘GCC Grand Tours’ visa aims to simplify travel logistics, making tourism within the GCC more accessible and cost-effective for visitors. This initiative is expected to boost tourist activity and create employment opportunities across the region.

The introduction of the unified visa system underscores the GCC’s commitment to promoting tourism and economic growth, positioning the region as a leading tourist destination on the global stage.

You might also like

GCC unified tourist visa to be introduced soon: UAE minister confirms date

Oman backs unified GCC tourist visa: Ministers set Dec deadline

Every 51st resident in dubai is a millionaire, reveals world’s wealthiest cities report, at dubai south, the future takes shape now: khalifa al zaffin, gulf business may 2024 roundup: mastercard, supercar blondie and more, latest issue.

• Saudi Arabia
• Real Estate
• Special Report
• Art & Culture

Advertise With Us

Privacy policy.

© 2021 MOTIVATE MEDIA GROUP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A Multi-Nation Visa Will Likely Roll Out In The Middle East This Year

The Gulf countries’ Schengen-like visa is coming by the end of 2024. The region’s tourism leaders say it will be a game-changer for Middle East travel.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman.

T he head of Saudi Arabian tourism wants Taylor Swift to bring her tour to the Middle East. Of course he does; Swift’s Eras tour has a proven track record of boosting economies wherever it goes.

But attracting major events like a Swift tour will require regional cooperation, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said on Monday at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). “I f we want to get the Taylor Swifts of the world, we can collaborate, with a view to an ‘Arabian tour’ ,” he told attendees.

Hamidaddin was touting the rollout of the region’s upcoming “unified GCC visa,” a travel permit similar to Europe’s Schengen visa that will allow more than 30 consecutive days of inter-country travel throughout the six Gulf Cooperation Council member nations: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. While no date has been announced, officials say the visa is expected to launch by the end of 2024.

“In a significant move aimed at simplifying travel logistics and fostering tourism, the Gulf Cooperation Council has given the green light to a unified tourist visa that will allow travelers to visit all six countries,” said Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s economy minister, noting plans to incorporate month-long “grand packages” in the marketing mix.

The visa is expected to be a boon for the region’s cruise industry, since cruise passengers will no longer have to apply for visas for each port of call. “I happen to also sit on the board of Cruise Saudi, and we are investing big on cruise ships as well as ports and cruise terminals,” Hamidaddin said. “We can easily see a big shift from Med to Red.”

It’s difficult to overstate the Middle East’s tourism ambitions or the speed at which the region has become a power player in the global travel arena. Consider the rise of Dubai, a city-state in the United Arab Emirates that’s roughly the size of Jacksonville, Florida, which now has more hotel rooms than Las Vegas.

Saudi Arabia, closed off to leisure tourists until just five years ago, is now awash with a staggering $800 billion in tourism investment . In February, the kingdom hit a major milestone, having attracted 100 million tourist visits seven years ahead of schedule.

Last year was a record-breaker for tourist arrivals in Qatar—a feat considering that the tiny nation had just hosted the FIFA World Cup the previous year, an event that, by the way, left a handful of stadiums ideal for giant concerts.

The tourism ministers of GCC members hope to the unified visa will both streamline travel red tape and encourage travelers to stay longer and travel wider while in the Gulf region, thus boosting their respective and collective economies.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

Schengen-like visa to travel across all 6 gulf countries

M eanwhile, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, disclosed that the regional tourist visas will be named GCC Grand Tours, allowing tourists to stay in the six GCC countries for more than 30 days. He emphasised that this move will make travel to the region more convenient and affordable.

Following a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Al Marri stated that once the system comes into effect, it will promote the diverse tourism destinations in GCC countries, attracting and retaining tourists for longer periods. This, he believes, will lead to an increase in the number of hotel guests and position the region as a top destination for both regional and international tourists.

Moreover, as part of the GCC's single tourism initiative, efforts are being made to increase the length of visitors' stays in the UAE. The goal is for people to have leisure trips lasting 2-3 weeks by combining packages within the GCC. Coordination may be necessary for major events to avoid overlapping. Once the single tourist visa is launched, both leisure and business travel packages will be offered by the private sector.

Also read: 10 of the world’s longest rivers

Also read: Unlocking Sri Lanka: 8 must-visit places as visa-free entry extends

• Hi, My Account Subscriptions --> My KT Trading Contact Us Privacy Notice Sign Out

Wed, May 15, 2024 | Dhu al-Qadah 7, 1445

Dubai 20°C

• Expo City Dubai
• Emergencies
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Umm Al Quwain

Life and Living

• Visa & Immigration in UAE
• Banking in UAE
• Schooling in UAE
• Housing in UAE
• Ramadan 2024
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines
• Cryptocurrency
• Infrastructure
• Currency Exchange
• Horse Racing
• Local Sports

Entertainment

• Local Events

Dubai World Cup

• Track Notes
• Big Numbers
• Daily Updates
• Arts & Culture
• Mental Health
• Relationships
• Staycations
• UAE Attractions
• Tech Reviews
• Motoring Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• Book reviews
• Restaurant Reviews
• Young Times

Supplements

• Back To School
• Eid-Al-Adha
• It’s Summer Time
• Leading Universities
• Higher Education
• India Real Estate Show
• Future Of Insurance
• KT Desert Drive
• New Age Finance & Accounting Summit
• Digital Health Forum
• Subscriptions
• UAE Holidays
• Year of the 50th
• Latest News
• Prayer Timings
• Cinema Listings
• Inspired Living
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Notice

KT APPDOWNLOAD

Gcc 'grand tours' visa: for dh4,000, visitors can soon explore multiple gulf countries, the visa will be similar to schengen visa, allowing access to all six gulf countries.

Waheed Abbas

• Follow us on

Embracing the bright side: A guide on how to cultivate optimism

The power of solitude: Why you should go on a solo trip

How to get your kids to read: Essential tips for parents

Published: Mon 13 May 2024, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 13 May 2024, 10:20 PM

Travel agencies in the UAE and abroad are all set to roll out packages for tourists visiting the Gulf region ahead of the launch of the unified GCC tourist visa or GCC 'Grand Tours' visa.

Travel and tourism industry executives said packages, which will include a couple of night stays, travel and sightseeing in three countries in the region, could cost visitors around Dh4,000-Dh5,000 and above.

During a ministerial discussion at the Arabian Travel Market last week, officials said the 'GCC Grand Tours' visa could be in place by the end of this year. The multi-entry visa will be similar to Schengen visa allowing access to all six Gulf countries.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Rehan Asad, vice-president for global markets at Expedia, said the unified GCC tourist visa is a positive change for the region.

He said when Europe launched the Schengen visa, it amplified the region’s tourism sector and allowed people seamless access to several countries.

“People from the UAE love to travel to Saudi Arabia and Oman, and vice-versa, hence, this new visa will drive intra-country traffic and boost tourism further.”

The Expedia V-P said they have conducted research to assess people's needs.

"People want convenience during the GCC tour. We found out that children aged 8-14 play a critical role in deciding a family's destination and hotel stay. We have conducted a research among a population of 10 million people and will be rolling out packages based on people's needs. It will be a combined hotels, cars and tour activities package,” he said.

Stating that their "initial focus will be the UAE followed by Saudi Arabia", Asad said the packages will be “dynamic and not pre-bundled” and people will have several options to choose from.

Welcoming the unified GCC tourist visa, Anas Anane, associate executive at Traveazy, said the visa will be a huge advantage for the travel and tourism sector.

“The tour packages will start from Dh1,500 per person for one country, including flights and sightseeing. The cost will also depend on the peak or off-peak tourist season in the GCC countries.”

He said the packages would approximately cost Dh4,000-Dh5,000 for a couple of days' stay each in UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, covering flights, hotels, transfer and excursions in select countries.

Dubai in focus

Mohammed Farooz, executive secretary at Last Minute Tourism, said many companies are already working out tour packages. “We will have a package for Dubai, Oman and Qatar in a couple of months. This will include three nights each in Dubai and Oman; or three nights each in Dubai and Qatar. People who will buy our packages will first land in Dubai and then move on to next destinations in the region,” he said.

Farooz said bundle offers are going to be 25 per cent cheaper than regular packages.

Ross Veitch, chief executive officer and co-founder of Wego, said the unified GCC tourist visa will be a big incentive for inbound tourism and also for residents of the regional countries.

“The unified GCC visa will make the region even more popular, especially among the Chinese inbound visitors, in the same manner we have seen in Europe and Southeast Asia. It is common among Chinese visitors to land in Bangkok, and spend a few days in Thailand, followed by a few days each in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. I think tourists will do the same in this region with the unified tourist visa. They can land in Jeddah, then come to Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, and then return home,” said Veitch.

He said people are increasingly mixing business and leisure travel in the post-Covid period and that the trend will gain momentum once the unified GCC tourist visa is in place.

• 1 visa, 6 countries: Unified GCC entry permit to boost business-leisure travel
• Unified GCC tourist visa: System will be in place by end of 2024, UAE official says
• UAE tourism sector set to boost GDP share to Dh236b in 2024
• Newsletters
• [email protected]

More news from Business

Multi-stakeholder partnerships: the key to unlocking lasting global healthcare change.

Open data and transparency build trust in healthcare public-private-partnerships

business 1 day ago -->

The role of tax treaties in transforming corporate tax landscape in UAE

By utilising beneficial provisions, companies can gain a competitive edge

Mubadala Capital to invest $13.5b in Brazil’s biofuel sector

The move is part of a broader investment plan, including the creation of a new stock exchange

Demand surge, weak dollar seen to bolster gold prices

The precious metal has climbed approximately 12% this year

IIHL targets $50b valuation through acquisitions

IIHL’s current BFSI business includes IndusInd Bank and Invesco

UAE firm to perform live telerobotic surgery trial at Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week

Live showcase of remote robotic surgery for emergency procedures

Nongshim expands community engagement at the Dubai Esports and Games Festival

Korean food brand recently forayed into halal sector

Wall St Week Ahead: Earnings bolster US stocks but crucial inflation report looms

The benchmark S&P 500 index is up over 9% for the year

business 2 days ago -->

Type your keywords

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

5 latest visa updates tailor-made for Indian travellers

TRAVEL NEWS , INDIA Created : May 14, 2024, 09:00 IST

As the summer holiday planning frenzy takes hold, there's a silver lining for all those travellers eyeing Asian destinations for summer vacations. You will find lots of options in India, but if you are planning for international travel, here are some quick updates on visa regulations that will promise you smoother journeys. These are extended visa-free entry and enhanced Schengen visa provisions. Read on to make informed decisions.

Sri Lanka's visa-free extension

​Sri Lanka's hospitality continues to shine as the nation extends its warm welcome to Indian visitors. As reported earlier, the island nation has prolonged its visa-free entry offer until May 31, 2024. This means Indian travellers can explore Sri Lanka's beauty without worrying about visa fees for a delightful 30-day stay. However, one must remember to apply for an e-visa through the official website before embarking on their journey.

The program, first launched as a trial initiative in October, forms a key component of a strategic drive to rejuvenate Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Travellers from designated nations must complete visa applications via the official website prior to their departure. This complimentary visa permits a 30-day stay, facilitating hassle-free travel and discovery across the scenic island destination.

Thailand's extended visa-free entry

Thailand's recent announcement has stirred excitement among Indian travellers. Initially granting visa-free entry until May 10, 2024, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has now stretched this privilege further. As per the reports, Indian passport holders can revel in visa-free access for an additional six months, now until November 10, 2024. This extension grants a generous 30-day stay, doubling the previous allowance.

Multiple-entry Schengen visa for Indian travellers

The European Commission's recent adoption of a new Schengen visa rule spells good news for Indian travellers. Particularly beneficial for those with prior Schengen country visits, Indian nationals residing in India can now apply for long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years. This milestone achievement comes under the new visa 'cascade' regime effective from April 18. For those who've lawfully used two visas within the past three years, this provision offers unprecedented ease of travel. Previously elusive, the availability of six-month, two-year, and five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas for Indian nationals is a significant step forward in fostering travel convenience and strengthening bilateral ties.

Japan’s e-visa

Japan has implemented an eVisa system tailored for Indian travellers, simplifying and streamlining the process of visiting the country. Commencing from April, Indian citizens meeting eligibility criteria and foreign nationals residing in India can now seek eVisas for short-term tourism activities via the application platform managed by VFS Global. With this update, visas will no longer be affixed as physical stickers in passports; instead, they will be digitally issued, providing a single-entry option for stays of up to 90 days.

Dubai’s 5-year multiple-entry visa

In February, Dubai unveiled a fresh visa initiative designed specifically for Indian travellers. This program presents a five-year, multiple-entry visa alternative, enabling stays of up to 90 days per visit. Additionally, travellers have the option of a single extension annually, not surpassing 180 days, suitable for both business and leisure purposes. Notably, this visa facilitates unlimited entries and exits within the five-year period, offering unparalleled flexibility for travellers exploring Dubai.

Visual Stories

Most expensive cities in the world to buy properties

Oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe

10 most-climbed mountains in the world

Uttarakhand’s 10 best places for bird watchers

Most mountainous countries in the world

These national parks in India will be closed during monsoon

8 beautiful lakes to explore in Uttarakhand this May

India's summer heavens: Top destinations for a refreshing vacation

10 most economically stable countries in the world in 2024

10 best cities in the world for curious travellers

Join Us On Facebook Close

Poll of the day, which of these is one of earth's oldest geographical feature, comments (0).

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration, trending stories.

• What's the truth behind Ladakh's Magnetic Hill?

World's top 5 national parks to see the coolest wild animals

• From North Korea to Kiribati, 8 of the world’s most unusual countries

• Gangotri’s 5 divine attractions to explore this season

Most haunted forests in the world

5 national parks to visit near Ooty this summer

Extreme travel: Exploring the hottest places on Earth

Why does Mount Everest make terrifying noises at night?

Mysterious unknown structure discovered near Giza pyramids

From around the web

Popular galleries.

10 reasons why adventure travellers love Lahaul-Spiti so much

Follow us on

Latest news.

• How to reach Sangla Valley in Himachal Pradesh?

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

As the summer holiday planning frenzy takes hold, there's a silver lining for all those travellers eyeing Asian destinations for summer vacations. You will find lots of options in India, but if you ar...